Devices are used to modify a metabolic pathway of a digestive system by creating a pathway within the intestinal tract through an anastomosis between a proximal location within the intestinal tract and a distal location within the intestinal tract. A magnetic anastomosis compression device includes a first arm, a second arm, a resilient member, and a pair of magnets. The magnetic anastomosis compression device further includes a degradable retaining element. The retaining element temporarily holds the first arm and second arm in a wide configuration in opposition to the bias exerted by the resilient member. Upon the degradation of the retaining element, the resilient member causes the first arm and second arm to transition to a narrow configuration. The magnetic anastomosis compression device is configured to magnetically couple with another magnetic anastomosis compression device positioned within a different location within the intestinal tract.